Contest between a sports apparel company and an Ivy League university: Columbia files a lawsuit against Columbia
In a surprising turn of events, outdoor apparel company Columbia Sportswear has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, seeking a jury trial and monetary damages, among other remedies. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, alleges trademark infringement, unfair competition, and breach of contract.
The lawsuit stems from the university's use of the "Columbia" name alone on apparel and accessories, a practice that Columbia Sportswear claims violates a written agreement from 2023. According to the agreement, the university was allowed to use the "Columbia" name, but only if it was used with one other distinguishing mark associated with the university.
Last year, the university's webstore offered for sale shirts, sweatshirts, and hats with the word "Columbia" alone, a move that attorneys for Columbia Sportswear say breaches the contract and infringes upon their trademark rights. The lawsuit also mentions that such use could create customer confusion and a false association between Columbia Sportswear and its competitors, such as Nike and Champion, whose logos appear on some of Columbia University's apparel.
It's important to note that Columbia Sportswear and Nike, though both headquartered in Oregon, have never collaborated to jointly design, manufacture, market, or sell any product.
As for Columbia University, no comment has been made regarding the pending litigation. If the university decides to defend the case, it may use the fact that it has been around longer than Columbia Sportswear as a defense.
In Q1, Columbia Sportswear reported a net sales increase of 1% to $778.5 million. However, the company withdrew its full-year financial outlook due to economic uncertainty related to tariffs. The company is set to announce its second quarter earnings on Thursday.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Coach brand recently scrapped its copyright infringement lawsuit against Gap.
The apparel, finance, and law industries are closely watching this ongoing lawsuit, with trademark attorney Josh Gerben suggesting that the case could get interesting if Columbia Sportswear's version of events is not entirely accurate.
As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this dispute between two institutions bearing the same name will be resolved. Stay tuned for updates.
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